Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

Since the establishment of the HSE, there has been a reduction of 10% in the numbers working at corporate level in the health service, and an increase of 10% in the numbers of professionals, including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and consultants. I introduced the legislation providing for the establishment of the HSE. Many other countries are considering taking the same approach. I believed then it was the right thing to do and I still believe that.

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